Ex-Pak captain backs team to have `good prospects` in Champions Trophy

Islamabad: Former Pakistan Test captain Intikhab Alam has said that Pakistan has good prospects in the ICC Champions Trophy, adding that their victory against South Africa in a warm up match of the eight-nation tournament is a good start.

Stating that Pakistan`s performance against South Africa is a good omen, Alam said that Pakistan is in a good shape and team combination is also good enough to score crucial victories in the Champions Trophy matches. According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director, the team`s first Champions Trophy match against West Indies is very crucial as with a triumph against West Indies, Pakistan`s morale would be boosted and they would have better chances to qualify for the final of the eight-nation tournament, which the team has never won. On the subject of interim set-ups on the regions, Alam said that politics should be kept away from cricket as it is damaging the image of Pakistan among other cricketing nations, adding that they should work together for the promotion of sports and help in bringing international cricket back to the country. Alam further said that the regional chiefs who had completed their tenure many times must now give chance to others who may improve regional cricket and promote the game at grassroots level in a trend-setting way. ANI